Tuesday 12 March 2013 08.44 EDT
First published on Tuesday 12 March 2013 08.44 EDT

All Eurostar train services between London and continental Europe have been cancelled as snow sweeps across northern France.

The high-speed line was closed on Tuesday morning, affecting domestic services as well as Eurostar.

Passengers have been offered free-of-charge exchanges or refunds.

Eurostar said it was hoping to resume services on Wednesday but probably with a reduced timetable because of speed limits on the line. A decision will be taken after 5pm.

A Eurostar spokeswoman said: "We've been forced to suspend all services today due to the severe conditions in northern France and Belgium. We're advising all passengers to exchange tickets or get refunds."

She said many had been contacted before arriving at St Pancras in London, averting major queues. She said the company was making provision for hotels on a "case by case" basis for stranded passengers abroad.

Snow has caused major transport problems in northern Europe, including the closure of Frankfurt airport, Europe's third busiest hub, and a vastly reduced service at Paris's main airport, as well as road and rail closures.